first time diesel - Diesel Forum

diesel4me2 · 01-24-2007, 09:28 PM

hello, just got my first diesel. 86 ford f350, crew cab, long bed, dually, it has a 7.3 jasper with a 3 speed auto [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]. i want to change it to a 4x4, 5sp manual [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img], but i'm not shure what trans to use?
would a zf work? or would somthing else work better [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]? sorry if this is in the worng spot, first post thanks chris

faz_fordfreak · 01-24-2007, 09:41 PM

ZF-5 speed should work. If I'm not mistaken, the floorboard should be set up where adding the manual pedal assembly isn't too hard. Maybe somebody who has done it will chime in.

diesel4me2 · 01-24-2007, 09:50 PM

hello faz forgot to add it had a 4 speed manual in it before the 3 speed auto all the linkage is still there he just cut the pedal in half [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

faz_fordfreak · 01-25-2007, 02:30 AM

Sounds like a true shade-tree mechanic. You'll still probably have to swap out some linkage and add a slave cylinder because the ZF's are hydraulic clutch, whereas the 4-speeds are mechanical. You might be able to rig up the mechanical for the 4-speed, but I'm not sure.

85Hauler · 01-25-2007, 04:13 PM

The 4 speeds in these truck were also hydraulic not mechanical.

diesel4me2 · 01-25-2007, 09:02 PM

thanks for the info, sorry it took so long to reply, i work midnights and sleep during the day. how bout another dumb question. for 4x4 is there another shift lever off the transfer case or is it on all the time? i'm realy a noobe to this whole thing, sorry if i got the lingo worng thanks

ffordtowman · 01-26-2007, 04:46 PM

Yes the 86 transfer case has a shift lever. Is the truck currently a 4 wheel drive?

diesel4me2 · 01-26-2007, 06:16 PM

hey towman, no the truck is not 4x4, but i'm hopeing to rectify that shortly with a zf 5spd and transfer case. still havent found front end setup but i've got the time to look. i know its a major change but i'm looking forward to the challenge. any recommendations as to a transfer case for the 7.3? rears currently at 3.55, better gas miliage at highway speeds

ffordtowman · 01-26-2007, 10:16 PM

Sounds like you are going to have a lot of fun ahead of you! Although it may be easier/cheaper to buy a 4 wheel drive frame and running gear to put your truck on. I know you can pick them up in Southern ILL for around $500. Either way good luck.

diesel4me2 · 01-27-2007, 06:20 PM

southern illinois huh, do you happen to know the company name or individual that has these? i'd like to call them. sounds easer to swap parts to a frame and supension thats already set up than to find and retrofit spare parts. thanks chris

ffordtowman · 01-27-2007, 10:34 PM

I use Shelton's Trucks in Woodlawn IL (618) 735-2437

diesel4me2 · 01-28-2007, 01:10 AM

thanks much towman, i'll call them monday